This Stuff Is Sexy

Infrastructure.  There.  It doesn't get sexier than that this side of Chris Hemsworth. Seriously.

Yeah, ok, most people don't think of infrastructure as sexy.  Most people don't think of it AT ALL.  Heck, a lot of people probably don't know what infrastructure is.  Don't feel bad if that's you.  You're in good company.

So here's the thing.  Whether or not you think it's sexy (but haven't you ever seen a bridge backlit by a glorious sunset?) infrastructure is the backbone of your daily life and things would be radically 
different without it.

Clean water is something we take for granted as a first-world country.  Most of us have never experienced a time when we didn't have safe, clean water at the turn of a tap.  So, how does it get there?  Source development, conveyance, treatment, storage and more conveyance, that's how.  Pipelines and reservoirs and wells and treatment plants and pump stations.  Then there's recycled, reclaimed and wastewater.  More pipelines, treatment, etc.

How about roads?  We like to complain about potholes (potholes are NOT sexy) and everyone hates traffic.  Why can't they just build more lanes so we don't have to rot on long, skinny parking lots every day?  Because it takes time and money.  The time can be dealt with.  It's the money.  There is no sustainable source of transportation funding at the Federal level and in many states, including California.  So the roads continue to deteriorate, traffic gets worse, and nothing gets done, except by the local transportation agencies.

Over 60%  of the bridges in the United States are in a critical state of disrepair.  The California State Water Project, which brings water to the thirsty Southern California region from the northern part of the state, is nearly 60 years old.  The Aqueduct leaks millions of gallons of water a year.  The American Society of Civil Engineering issues an annual report card of the state of infrastructure in the country.  In 2013 the national grade was D+.

The problem is this: infrastructure isn't politically sexy.  Heck, an alarming number of state and local elected officials don't have a good understanding of what it is and what happens if we continue to ignore it.  Sure, it's been bandied about at the federal level but there is no real conviction behind the words.  Too often aging infrastructure is used as a scare tactic.

Politicians aren't likely to take our crumbling infrastructure seriously until their constituents do.  Constituents won't make an issue of it until the dams start leaking, bridges start falling and we can't get water from the tap.
  
by Beth George

The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author

Converse Consultants is an industry leader in geotechnical engineering, and environmental, groundwater and materials sciences. We are celebrating our 70th year of service.

For more information about Converse please contact Beth George at bgeorge@converseconsultants.com

6 Tips To Earn Respect At Work

You're the new guy in the office, or the woman promoted to a management position. You've got to make your way; make your mark. You have to be a team player; approachable, helpful and friendly, without getting walked on. How, you might ask, how in world can I do this?

I'm glad you asked. Here are 6 Ways to Earn Respect at Work.

 

1. Don't Be A Know-It-All. No one likes the guy who has all the answers, especially when some of them are wrong. Even if you DO know all the answers keep them to yourself unless it's appropriate.

2. Be Honest. No one respects a liar. Tell the truth, always. Be kind, but truthful. This should go without saying but, unfortunately, some people have trouble with honesty.

3. Listen. Really listen. When someone is talking, don't think about what you're going to say next. Pay attention to what the speaker is saying. Ask questions when she's done. If you listen to people they feel valued and, in return, will value you.

4. Carry Your Own Weight. Be someone people can count on to do his part. Slacking rarely engenders respect.

5. Don't Get Involved In Office Politics. Sometimes it's impossible to avoid the internal machinations in the office but stay out of the posturing and positioning. Be your own woman and stand on your merits, not the favor of others.

 

6. Stay Clear Of Drama. No exceptions. No matter how juicy that gossip is, no matter how annoying John in accounting may be, stay away from drama. Stay above the fray. Some might think you're not 'part of the gang' but they will respect you.

 

These six tips might not guarantee a corner office and a seat on the Board of Directors but they do ensure you will maintain your dignity and self-respect and gain the respect of others.

Was this helpful? 

Do you have additional tips?

Converse Consultants is an industry leader in geotechnical engineering, and environmental, groundwater and materials sciences. We are celebrating our 70th year of service.

For more information about Converse please contact Beth George at bgeorge@converseconsultants.com

The Las Vegas Veterans Memorial-Honoring Those Who Serve

The Las Vegas Veterans Memorial project is a community effort to recognize and honor our veterans and their service to the country. The sacrifice made by those who serve in our nation's military affect not just those in Las Vegas, or the United States, but many parts of the world.

The public recognition of the importance of this sacrifice is what led the Las Vegas Veterans Memorial Board of Directors to move forward with the monument.  Their motto is "To show appreciation and bring recognition to the commitment and sacrifices our Veteran’s and their Families have endured throughout our country’s history by establishing a Veterans Memorial".

 After an intense competition the Board selected Douwe Blumberg from a field of 200 artists to create the Memorial.  Blumberg has completed more than 200 projects, including the “America’s Response” Special Operations Monument placed by Ground Zero in New York City. Within the last 18 months alone, he has installed five large outdoor pieces for cities across the country.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held in November, 2015. The memorial is on a two-acre park setting on the grounds of the Grant Sawyer State Building and will  feature 18 statues, each around 7-8 feet tall, surrounded by granite memorial walls with explanatory narrative.  The pathways in the park include commemorative bricks honoring a veteran by name, branch and dates of service.

Three soldiers rescuing an injured warrior and a family group will face the soldier vignette. This is the central focus of the Memorial. Ten historical background figures represent veterans of America’s past wars.

Dedication for the Memorial is scheduled for May 27, 2016.  This world-class Memorial will inspire many generations in the Las Vegas area and honor those who put their lives on the line to gain and preserve our freedom.

Converse Consultants is proud to be part of this important project.  We donated the geotechnical design reports for the memorial and park.  Converse actively seeks out ways to honor our veteran and active duty military personnel.

For more information about the Las Vegas Veterans Memorial visit their website at http://lasvegasveteransmemorial.org/.

Converse Consultants is an industry leader in geotechnical, environmental, groundwater and materials sciences. We are celebrating our 70th year of service.
For more information about Converse please contact Beth George at bgeorge@converseconsultants.com